The Denver Barbarians have beaten SFGG in dramatic fashion in Super League action in Denver.

The Barbarians decided to throw caution to the wind and matched Golden Gate pace for pace and pass for pass. Denver ran out to an early lead, and were up 27-12 before SFGG mounted a furious comeback. Down 27-24 SFGG scored through prop Patrick Latu, who slotted in the backline. 

Moments later Samisoni Pone scored to put SFGG up 38-27 with time winding down.

But from the restart Taylor Howden nabbed the floating ball to score.

And then, after a couple of wild breaks on both sides, Denver capped off an outstanding try with Hunter Leland scampering in under the posts. The conversion was an easy one, and Denver held on to win 41-38.

The game was the second in the series of Papa Naqica trophy matches, honoring the father of former Barbarians players Jone and Brian Naqica, and who worked with SFGG, where Jone Naqica now plays. This is a challenge trophy and Denver claimed it until next year.

SFGG drops to 3-2, while Denver improves to 1-4.

With this result, OPSB remains in 1st in the Super League West, and can clinch 1st with a win over Denver next week in Seattle.

Denver 41
Tries: Humphrey, Makavilitogia, de Achaval, Howden, Leland;
Convs: de Achaval (5); Pen: de Achaval (2);

San Francisco 38
Tries: Okusi, Pone (2), Thomas, Okusi, Latu;
Convs: Rouse (4)